AUTONOMOUS TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF HEATING DEVICES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT

摘要

The present invention is directed to heating devices, and methods of treatment using the same, wherein the heating devices comprise (a) a polymer matrix comprising a matrix of: (i) at least one polymer; and (ii) a plurality of electrically conductive particles distributed within the polymer; and (b) two electrodes in electrical communication with the polymer matrix. The heating devices are highly portable and able to control the heating temperatures within precise limits for prolonged times without the use of any external thermostatic control device, using only low voltage batteries.

主权项

1. A heating device comprising:
(a) a polymer matrix comprising:
(i) at least one polymer; and(ii) a plurality of electrically conductive particles distributed within the polymer; and (b) two electrodes in electrical communication with the polymer matrix; wherein:
(i) the electrically conductive particles are distributed within the polymer matrix in an amount sufficient to conduct an electric current through the polymer matrix, with a predetermined associated electric resistance, when the polymer matrix is connected to a portable power source through the electrodes at an ambient temperature and the heating device is energized; wherein further(ii) the passage of current raises the temperature of the polymer matrix to a physiologically acceptable temperature, this temperature being sufficient to provide a therapeutic level of heat to a targeted mammalian tissue at a substantially constant level and for an extended period of time when the heating device is positioned adjacent to the targeted mammalian tissue and the heating device is energized; and wherein(iii) the heating device is delivers the therapeutic level of heat at the substantially constant level and for the extended period of time without an external thermostatic control device, when the heating device is positioned adjacent to the targeted mammalian tissue and the heating device is energized.